Seat post assembly

ABSTRACT

A bypass device for a seating component such as an adjustable seating assembly for a bicycle may be provided to redistribute fluid preferentially by density. The bypass device may be operable to redistribute a low density compressible fluid or a mixed phase of low density compressible and high density non-compressible fluids within the seating component.

The present application claims priority to Provisional U.S. PatentApplication No. 62/527,813, filed Jun. 30, 2017, and to Provisional U.S.Patent Application No. 62/580,169, filed Nov. 1, 2017.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present application generally relates to seats for bicycles, andmore particularly to an adjustable seat post assembly for a bicycleseat.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A bicycle may be equipped with a component such as an adjustable seatingassembly. Such a component may be advantageous to allow selectivelowering and raising of a saddle while the bicycle is in operation. Forexample, a rider may benefit from a lower saddle height while descendingan incline through greater control achieved by more range of motion.Conversely, a rider may benefit from a higher saddle height whileascending an incline through a position allowing greater power transferto a drivetrain of the bicycle. By allowing selective height adjustmentof the saddle during operation, the bicycle may be configured to providean appropriate seating position for varying conditions.

A typical bicycle seating assembly may have a seat post that ismechanically clamped to a seat tube of the bicycle. The clamp may be afastener or lever that is released to allow an increase in an insidediameter of the seat tube in order to facilitate sliding the seat postup or down, thus adjusting the saddle height. Such a seating assemblydoes not facilitate user-friendly adjustment while the bicycle is inoperation. An adjustable seating assembly for a bicycle may be designedfor relatively quick adjustment of the saddle height within a definedrange. Such systems may commonly be known as dropper seat posts, and mayalso use remote activation to improve the usability during operation.Such remote activation may be actuated by cable tension, hydraulicpressure, electronic signal, or other actuation methods. The remoteactivation may trigger movement within a linear movement mechanism. Thelinear movement mechanism may include a spring, such as a coil spring ora pneumatic spring; an electronic device, such as a servo or motor, oranother type of linear actuator or component thereof. Such a linearmovement mechanism may be designed to provide power for movement in botha raising direction and a lowering direction, as with a reversibleelectric motor, or the linear movement mechanism may provide bias inonly one direction, such as with a spring. For example, a pneumaticspring may be provided to bias the seating assembly in the raisingdirection with enough force that the saddle height may be increased byactuation while the rider is not applying downward force to the saddlebut with less force than a gravitational force acting on the rider'smass applied to the saddle such that the rider's weight may be used todecrease the saddle height. A locking mechanism may be provided toprevent actuation of the linear movement mechanism and thus provide astable seating platform at a fixed saddle height.

A hydraulic locking mechanism of an adjustable seating assembly biasedin the raising direction may provide positive support of the seatingassembly in the raising direction when the system is static and notactuated. The hydraulic locking mechanism may provide morefinely-modulated adjustment of saddle height in contrast to systems thatuse ratchet- or detent-type locking mechanisms. The hydraulic lockingmechanism also avoids problems associated with friction-type lockingmechanisms such as slippage. A hydraulic locking mechanism may functionby supporting a movable portion of the seating assembly with anadjustable volume of minimally-compressible or non-compressible fluid,which may be referred to as non-compressible fluid for convenience. Ingeneral, non-compressibility will hereinafter refer to fluids, states,or components configured for insubstantial compressibility, such as inhydraulic fluids or pressure-transmitting configurations. For instance,a volume of hydraulic fluid may be contained within a support chamber ofthe seating assembly with a volume control valve selectively operable toallow adjustment of the volume. Conversely, the term compressible willrefer to fluids with relatively high compressibility, such as thosefluids in a gaseous state or which would substantially interfere withhydraulic pressure transfer.

The adjustable volume may be increased by a source of stored potentialenergy, such as a compressed pneumatic spring, being released to forcepart of a reservoir volume of hydraulic fluid into the support chamber,thus increasing the volume contained within the support chamber andincreasing the saddle height. In this scenario, if the volume controlvalve is opened when the force of the rider's weight on the supportchamber exceeds the force applied on the reservoir volume by thepneumatic spring, the volume of the support chamber and thus the saddleheight will decrease. The force required to overcome the force of thespring bias may be tunable by adjusting pressure or working surface areaof components.

Hydraulic systems relying on the non-compressibility of hydraulic fluidmay degrade in performance due to ingress of compressible fluids. Forexample, gasses present in the atmosphere or contained within apneumatic spring of the adjustable seating assembly may enter a supportchamber such as a hydraulic support chamber. Under pressure, thesecompressible fluids will compress and allow deflection of the adjustableseating assembly. In contrast, it may be advantageous to have no or verylittle movement in a seating assembly, for instance to promote moreefficient energy transfer to the drivetrain of the bicycle. Becauseingress of gasses may occur in a hydraulic system, a facility forreleasing gasses from such a system may be advantageous. Such issues mayalso arise in other hydraulic components of a bicycle, for instancefront and rear suspension components, to which such a facility may alsoapply.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the invention provides a seating component for a bicycle,comprising an upper; a lower connected to the upper and movable relativeto the upper along an axis; a support chamber disposed between the upperand the lower; a reservoir in selective fluid communication with thesupport chamber across a valve; a spring portion configured to bias theupper apart from the lower along the axis; and a bypass configured toprovide fluid communication between the support chamber and thereservoir. The bypass comprises an opening disposed beyond the supportchamber in a lowering direction along the axis; and a barrier configuredto facilitate flow from the opening to the valve, wherein the valve isdisposed beyond the support chamber in a raising direction along theaxis.

Another aspect of the invention provides a seating component for abicycle, comprising an upper; a lower connected to the upper and movablerelative to the upper along an axis; a support chamber disposed betweenthe upper and the lower; a reservoir in selective fluid communicationwith the support chamber across a valve; a spring portion configured tobias the upper apart from the lower along the axis; and a bypassconfigured to provide fluid communication between the support chamberand the reservoir. The bypass comprises a first opening; and a secondopening disposed beyond the support chamber in a lowering directionalong the axis, wherein flow between the valve and the second openingpasses through the first opening.

Yet another aspect of the invention provides a seating component for abicycle, comprising: an upper; a lower connected to the upper andmovable relative to the upper along an axis; a support chamber disposedbetween the upper and the lower; a reservoir in selective fluidcommunication with the support chamber across a valve; a spring portionconfigured to bias the upper apart from the lower along the axis; and aflow path configured to provide fluid communication between the supportchamber and the reservoir. The flow path comprises a first opening; anda second opening disposed beyond the support chamber in a loweringdirection along the axis, wherein flow between the valve and the secondopening passes through the first opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of an off road type bicycle, which may be used toemploy a bypass device;

FIG. 2 is a bisected cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a seatingcomponent;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the seating component of FIG. 2,illustrating detail of a seat post upper and associated components;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the seating component of FIG. 2,illustrating detail of a seat post lower and associated components;

FIG. 5 is a bisected cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a seatingcomponent;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the seating component of FIG. 5,illustrating detail of a seat post upper and associated components;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the seating component of FIG. 5,illustrating detail of a seat post lower and associated components;

FIG. 8 is a bisected cross-sectional view of an embodiment of theseating component;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the seating component of FIG. 8,illustrating detail of a seat post upper and associated components;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the seating component of FIG. 8,illustrating detail of a seat post lower and associated components; and

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the seating component of FIG. 8,illustrating detail of a seat post lower and opening configurations of abypass device.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of an alternative embodiment of the seatingcomponent;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of an alternative embodiment of the seatingcomponent;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of an alternative embodiment of the seatingcomponent;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of an alternative embodiment of the seatingcomponent;

FIG. 16A is a bisected cross-sectional view of an embodiment of theseating component in a raised position;

FIG. 16B is a bisected cross-sectional view of an embodiment of theseating component in a lowered position;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of the seating component of FIG. 16B;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of the seating component of FIG. 16B;

FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of the seating component of FIG. 16B;

FIG. 20 is a bisected cross-sectional view of an embodiment of theseating component; and

FIG. 21 illustrates a schematic view of an embodiment of the seatingcomponent.

Other aspects and advantages of the embodiments disclosed herein willbecome apparent upon consideration of the following detaileddescription, wherein similar or identical structures have similar oridentical reference numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A seating assembly may be configured to avoid these problems. A seatingassembly that is simple in user operation may reduce or eliminate theneed for regular service intervals of hydraulic components. Particularlyon a bicycle, a component should be lightweight and compact to minimizeinterference with and resistance to riding a bicycle. A bypass devicemay be configured to address these needs.

FIG. 1 is a side view of an off-road type configuration of a bicycle 10which may be used to employ a bypass device. The bicycle 10 has a frame12. A front shock absorber 28 is connected to the frame 12 and issteerable with a handlebar 14. A rear shock absorber 26 is connected tothe frame 12. The front shock absorber 28 and the rear shock absorber 26each connect to a wheel 36, having a rim 38 with a tire 40. The wheel 36connected to the frame 12 with the rear shock absorber 26 may be drivenwith the drivetrain 30. The drivetrain 30 may translate rotationalmovement of a crank 32 to rotational movement of the wheel 36 through achain 34. Frictional interaction between the tire 40 of the wheel 36 andan external surface 42 then translates the rotational movement of thewheel 36 into linear movement of the bicycle 10 in a forward directionA. A seating component 15 attaches to a seat tube 24 of the frame 12.The seating component 15 includes a seat post lower 22, operablyassociated with a seat post upper 20. The seat post upper 20 may includea seat post head 18. The seat post upper 20, and specifically the seatpost head 18, may include a saddle connection portion 19 for connectingto a saddle 16. The saddle connection portion 19 may directly attach tothe saddle 16 or may interface with another component, such as in whatis known as a seat mast configuration. The saddle 16 may also beintegral.

The saddle 16 is configured to be movable along an axis L. The saddle 16may be movable in a raising direction B and in a lowering direction Calong the axis L. For example, the seat post upper 20 may be fixedlyattached to the saddle 16 and be movable within the seat post lower 22along the axis L. Features may be added or configurations changed tolimit movement relative to the axis L. For instance, features of theseat post upper 20 and the seat post lower 22 may inhibit movement pastan upper point in the raising direction B and past a lower point in thelowering direction C. Additionally, the seat post upper 20 and the seatpost lower 22 may include features or configurations to inhibit relativerotation about the axis L. For example, one or more protrusions (notshown) of the seat post upper 20 may be keyed with features (not shown)of the seat post lower 22.

While the illustrated bicycle 10 of FIG. 1 represents afully-suspensioned off road type bicycle, the present inventioncontemplates application to bicycles of any type, including road typebicycles, time trial or triathlon bicycles, and fully orpartially-suspensioned mountain bicycles. The seating component 15 maybe integrated into the frame 12. For instance, the seat post lower 22and the seat tube 24 may be integrated.

FIG. 2 is a bisected cross-sectional view of an embodiment of theseating component 15. The seat post upper 20 is shown slidably receivedwithin the seat post lower 22. The seat post upper 20 and the seat postlower 22 are shown having generally cylindrical configurations but mayalso be otherwise configured. For example, the seat post upper 20 andthe seat post lower 22 may be configured so as to have oblong orpolygonal radial cross-sections in order to facilitate aerodynamics,rigidity, packaging efficiency, and/or application compatibility tospecific configurations of the bicycle 10.

The seat post lower 22 may also be configured such that at least aportion of the seat post lower 22 is received within the seat post upper20. For instance, the seat post lower 22 may have a guide 51 receivedwithin the seat post upper 20. A communication chamber 112 is providedat least partially within the seat post upper 20 and/or the seat postlower 22. The communication chamber 112 may have a pneumatic springportion 246. The pneumatic spring portion 246 may provide a pressure tobias the seating component 15 in the raising direction B. The pressurecontained within the pneumatic spring portion 246 may be fixed or may beadjustable, such as through a pneumatic spring adjustment valve 64. Thepneumatic spring adjustment valve 64 as shown is a Schrader type valvebut may be another type of valve. For example, the pneumatic springadjustment valve 64 may be a pressure-sealed valve type such as a Prestavalve, a check valve type, or another type of valve operable to providepneumatic adjustment of the pneumatic spring. Fluid added through thepneumatic spring adjustment valve 64 may communicate through anadjustment path 70 to an adjustment opening 69. The adjustment valve 64may be covered by an adjustment valve cover 68. For example, theadjustment valve cover 68 may provide sealing and/or protective coverfor the adjustment valve 64. From the adjustment opening 69, fluid maycommunicate with the communication chamber 112.

The pneumatic spring portion 246 may interact with a reservoir portionsuch as a hydraulic reservoir portion 250 of the communication chamber112 directly. The hydraulic reservoir portion 250 is in selective fluidcommunication with a support chamber such as a hydraulic support chamber48, for instance through a bypass device 266, in fluid communicationwith a reservoir opening 54, in fluid communication with a hydraulicexchange chamber 58, in fluid communication with an actuation valve 52that is selectively operable to facilitate fluid communication betweenthe hydraulic exchange chamber 58 and the hydraulic support chamber 48.

An actuation device 63 may be provided. The actuation device 63 mayinclude an actuation member 60. The actuation member 60 is configured tooperate the actuation valve 52. The actuation device 63 may be manuallyoperated, for instance through direct actuation of the actuation member60 by the rider. The actuation device 63 may alternatively include otheractuation configurations, such as an electromechanical motor, a cableactuation device, a hydraulic actuation device, or other actuationfacility. A remote device 61 may be provided to operate the actuationdevice 63, for instance from the handlebar 14. In an embodiment, theactuation device may operate using any technique. For example, theactuation device may be operated using a cable assembly.

In an embodiment, the actuation device may communicate with the remotedevice using wireless communication techniques to control the operationof the actuation device. In an embodiment, the actuation device mayinclude a power source, such as a battery or battery assembly,configured to provide power to components of the actuation device, orother portions of the seat post assembly. For example, the power supplymay provide power to a motor or other electrically operated motivedevice. In an embodiment involving wireless communication, the powersupply may provide power to a wireless communication device of theactuation device and/or the seat post assembly. In an embodiment, thepower supply is integrated with the actuation device. For example, thepower supply may be removably attached to an external portion of theactuation device.

The actuation member 60 may be selectively operable to allow fluidcommunication, for instance of compressible and/or non-compressiblefluids, past the actuation valve 52 into the hydraulic exchange chamber58.

When the actuation valve 52 is in a closed state and thus blocking fluidpassage therethrough, the hydraulic support chamber 48 may contain afixed volume of non-compressible fluid. In a closed state, the hydraulicsupport chamber 48 is configured to inhibit relative movement of theseat post upper 20 towards the seat post lower 22 in the loweringdirection C along the axis L. For example, the hydraulic support chamber48 may have an upper support surface 49 fixed in at least the raisingdirection B relative to the seat post upper 20 and a lower supportsurface 53 fixed at least in the lowering direction C relative to theseat post lower.

The lower support surface 53 may be a portion of a piston 55. The piston55 may include a piston seal 57 configured to seal during relativemovement of the piston 55 and another component of the seating component15. For instance, the piston 55 may have a dynamic sealing arrangementconfiguration of the piston seal 57. The dynamic sealing arrangement maybe configured to seal against an inner surface 23 of the seat post upper20. In an embodiment, the piston seal 57 is an O-ring configured to sealagainst an annular configuration of the inner surface 23. The pistonseal 57 may be supported by one or more of a radial expansion device 59.The radial expansion device 59 may be of a split ring configuration andis configured to contact the inner surface 23 and the piston seal 57.The radial expansion device 59 may prevent harmful deformation of thepiston seal 57 into any gap between the piston 55 and the inner surface23.

The piston 55 may be fixed relative to the seat post lower 22. Forinstance the piston 55 may have a piston attachment portion 526attachable to the guide 51. The piston attachment portion 526 may form athreaded engagement with the guide 51 or may be press fit, adhesivelybonded, or otherwise attached. The piston 55 may also be integrallyformed with the guide 51.

In this exemplary embodiment, a scenario in which a force in thelowering direction C applied to the seat post upper 20 is balanced witha force in the raising direction B applied to the seat post lower 22would cause no substantial relative movement between the seat post lower22 and the seat post upper 20. Instead, the hydraulic support chamber48, when filled with a fixed volume of non-compressible fluid, wouldprovide sufficient forces through the upper support surface 49 and thelower support surface 53 to resist any such relative movement. However,when the hydraulic support chamber 48 contains a volume of acompressible fluid, as through gas ingress, such force would result incompression of the compressible fluid and thus relative movement betweenthe seat post upper 20 and the seat post lower 22. In order to maintaina non-compressible state of the hydraulic support chamber 48, theseating component 15 may be configured with the bypass device 266.

The bypass device 266 may have a bypass proximal opening 265 and abypass distal opening 267. Fluid communication between the hydraulicsupport chamber 48 and the bypass distal opening 267 must first passthrough the bypass proximal opening 265. The bypass distal opening 267opens to the hydraulic reservoir portion 250 of the communicationchamber 112. The hydraulic reservoir portion 250 may also be known as ahydraulic reservoir chamber. Pressure in the communication chamber 112may facilitate fluid communication through the bypass device 266. Forexample, pressurized fluid in the pneumatic spring portion 246 may acton non-compressible fluid in the hydraulic reservoir portion 250.

When the actuation valve 52 is in an open state, this fluid pressurewill result in non-compressible fluid flow from the hydraulic reservoirportion 250, through the bypass distal opening 267, through the bypassproximal opening 265, into the hydraulic exchange chamber 58, across theactuation valve 52, and into the hydraulic support chamber 48. A forceresultant from an increase in fluid pressure in the hydraulic supportchamber 48 may act to move the seat post upper 20 away from the seatpost lower 22 in the raising direction B. For example, pressure may acton the upper support surface 49 of the seat post upper with a resultantforce in the raising direction B and on the lower support surface 53 ofthe seat post lower with a resultant force in the lowering direction C,thus forcing the seat post upper 20 and the seat post lower 22 apart.

Also when the actuation valve 52 in the open state, a force on thesaddle 16 in the lowering direction C that exceeds the force resultantfrom fluid pressure will act to move the seat post upper 20 in thelowering direction C. In such a moving state, fluid from the hydraulicsupport chamber 48 will communicate across the actuation valve 52, intothe hydraulic exchange chamber 58, through the bypass device 266 via itsbypass proximal opening 265 and its bypass distal opening 267, and intothe hydraulic reservoir portion 250 of the communication chamber 112.Such communication of non-compressible fluid will act to compresscompressible fluid contained in the pneumatic spring portion 246 of thecommunication chamber 112.

Fluid communicated out of the bypass distal opening 267 and into thecommunication chamber 112 will distribute according to gravityseparation. For example, a two phase flow of relatively low densitycompressible fluid and relatively high density non-compressible fluidentering the communication chamber 112 through the bypass distal opening267 may separate in the communication chamber 112. Separation of thefluids may result in the low density compressible fluid rising to thepneumatic spring portion 246 and the high density non-compressible fluidremaining in the hydraulic reservoir portion 250. In this example, fluidin the hydraulic reservoir portion will preferentially remain highdensity non-compressible fluid.

When the actuation valve 52 is in the closed state, fluid pressure inthe hydraulic reservoir portion 250 cannot communicate across theactuation valve 52 and thus cannot act in the hydraulic support chamber48. If the hydraulic support chamber 48 contains any compressible fluidsin this state, then a force on the saddle 16, such as from the rider,may act to compress those fluids, resulting in movement of the seat postupper 20 and thus the saddle in the lowering direction C along the axisL. This often undesirable movement may be known as a sag condition.

The seating component 15 may be configured such that flow across theactuation valve in the open state from the hydraulic support chamber 48to the communication chamber 112 will move above the pneumatic springportion 246 in the raising direction B before entering the hydraulicreservoir portion 250. This movement above the pneumatic spring portion246 may be facilitated by a configuration of the hydraulic exchangechamber 58. For example, fluid may flow from the hydraulic supportchamber 48 to the hydraulic exchange chamber 58, above the pneumaticspring portion 246 in the raising direction B. At this point, gravityseparation may result in low density compressible fluids from thehydraulic support chamber 48 preferentially entering the hydraulicexchange chamber 58.

The bypass device 266 may be configured to facilitate flow from thehydraulic exchange chamber 58 to the hydraulic reservoir portion 250below the pneumatic spring portion 246 in the lowering direction C. Suchflow may therefore pass through the pneumatic spring portion 246 whilenot in fluid communication with the pneumatic spring portion 246. Suchflow may also bypass through other portions of the seating component 15,such as the hydraulic support chamber 48 and/or the lower supportsurface 53. In an embodiment, fluid communication between the hydraulicexchange chamber 58 and the pneumatic spring portion 246 may only beindirect fluid communication which must first flow through the hydraulicreservoir portion 250 as an intermediate step.

The seating component 15 may be configured to facilitate two phase flowfrom the hydraulic support chamber 48 to the communication chamber 112.For example, the seating component 15 may be configured such that in aninstalled state gravity separation facilitates preferential flow of lowdensity compressible fluids to the hydraulic exchange chamber 58. Thehydraulic exchange chamber 58 may be configured to be above thehydraulic support chamber 48 and/or the pneumatic spring portion 246 inthe raising direction B in an installed state. The hydraulic exchangechamber 58 may also be configured to facilitate or maintain combined twophase flow. For example, the hydraulic exchange chamber 58 may beconfigured with a tuned volume to prevent phase separation at a flowrate achievable through operation of the seating component 15.

The seating component 15 may also be configured to facilitate phaseseparation of two phase flow in the communication chamber 112. Forexample, two phase flow through the bypass distal opening into thehydraulic reservoir portion 250 of the communication chamber 112 mayseparate due to gravity separation during flow and/or in a rest statedue to closure of the actuation valve or equilibrium of relevant forcesin the raising direction B and the lowering direction C. Such separationmay facilitate maintenance of low density compressible fluids in thepneumatic spring portion 246 and/or high density non-compressible fluidsin the hydraulic reservoir portion 250.

The seating component 15 may also be configured to facilitatepreferential flow of high density non-compressible fluids from thecommunication chamber 112 to the hydraulic support chamber 48. Forexample, displacement of low density compressible fluids from thehydraulic reservoir portion 250, as through gravity separation, mayfacilitate flow of only high density non-compressible fluids from thecommunication chamber 112 into the bypass device 266 through the bypassdistal opening 267. Volume of high density non-compressible fluid may betunable such that the bypass distal opening 267 remains in communicationwith high density non-compressible fluid in the hydraulic reservoirportion 250. For example, the seating component 15 may be configuredsuch that when the seat post upper is fully extended in the raisingdirection B, sufficient volume of high density non-compressible fluid isprovided to displace all other fluid from the hydraulic support chamber48, the hydraulic exchange chamber 58, the bypass device 266, and atleast a portion of the communication chamber 112 in communication withthe bypass distal opening 267.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the seating component 15 of FIG. 2,illustrating detail of the seat post upper 20 and associated components.The embodiment shown of the seating component 15 includes the bypassdevice 266, having the bypass proximal opening 265. The bypass proximalopening 265 opens to the hydraulic exchange chamber 58 through thehydraulic reservoir chamber 250 and its reservoir opening 54. In such away, the bypass proximal opening 265 is the nearest point of the bypassdevice 266 to fluid communication with the hydraulic reservoir chamber250 and thus the hydraulic support chamber 48 through the actuationvalve 52.

The bypass device 266 shown is of a generally annular configurationdisplaced between an upper wall 21 of the seat post upper 20 and thehydraulic support chamber 48. However, the bypass device 266 may beconfigured in various ways. For example, the bypass device 266 may be ofa polygonal configuration or may be disposed in a concentric mannerabout the hydraulic support chamber 48 and/or within the upper wall 21as in an embodiment represented in FIG. 6. In a similar manner, thebypass device 266 may be configured in relation to the configuration ofthe seating component 15. For example, a generally polygonalconfiguration of the seating component 15 may employ a similar generallypolygonal configuration of the bypass device 266.

The seating component 15 may also be configured to facilitate fluidremoval, addition, or replacement, which may be known as bleeding orflushing. For example, the seating component 15 may include a bleedcomponent 274. The bleed component 274 may be sealingly attached toanother component of the seating component 15. For example, the bleedcomponent 274 may be sealingly attached with a bleed seal 276 to aninstallation component 296. The bleed component 274 may be removably toaccess a bleed path 282. The bleed path 282 may be used to add and/orremove fluids from the seating component 15. The bleed component 274 maybe threadably installed, for instance the bleed component may have malethreads received within female threads of the installation component296. The bleed component 274 may alternatively be attached to othercomponents and may seal in other ways. For example, the bleed component274 may be secured with a latch (not shown) to the seat post head 18with an integral embodiment of the bleed seal 276.

The installation component 296 may be configured to be attachable toanother component of the seating assembly 15. For example, theinstallation component 296 may sealingly attach to the seat post head 18with an installation seal 298. The installation component 296 maythreadably install into the seat post head 18. For example, the seatpost head 18 may have female threads configured to accept installationof male threads of the installation component 296. In one embodiment,the seating component 15 is configured such that when the installationcomponent 296 is in an uninstalled state, the removal of othercomponents of the seating component 15 is facilitated. For example, theactuation member 60 may be sized and shaped to be installed or removedthrough the portion of the seating component 15 from which theinstallation component 296 was removed.

The bleed component 274 and/or the installation component 296 may beconfigured to facilitate installation of a bleed device (not shown). Forexample, there may be female threads of the installation component 296with which male threads of the bleed component 274 may interface. Thebleed device (not shown) may function to create a pressure differentialas through the operation of a reciprocating pump like the pushing orpulling of a syringe. Such a device may have male threads with which theinstallation component 296 is configured to interface with its femalethreads when the bleed component 274 is in an uninstalled state. In sucha way, fluid may be added or removed to the seating component 15 throughthe bleed path 282.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the seating component 15 of FIG. 2,illustrating detail of the seat post lower 22 and associated components.The adjustment path 70 is in communication with an entry path 273through the adjustment opening 69. The entry path 273 is in fluidcommunication with the communication chamber 112 through at least one ofan entry opening 271.

FIG. 5 is a bisected cross-sectional view of an embodiment of theseating component 15. The example shown in FIGS. 5-7 differs from theexample shown in FIGS. 2-4 in that the bypass device 266 is disposedconcentrically about the hydraulic support chamber 48. In thisembodiment, although the structure is changed, the fluid communicationcharacteristics may remain similar to those of the example shown inFIGS. 2-4.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the seating component 15 of FIG. 5,illustrating detail of a seat post upper 20 and associated components.The bypass device 266 opens to the hydraulic exchange chamber 58 throughat least one of the bypass proximal opening 265 and the reservoiropening 54. The installation component 296 and associated components maybe configured for similar functions as in the example shown in FIGS.2-4.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the seating component 15 of FIG. 5,illustrating detail of a seat post lower 22 and associated components.The bypass device 266 is shown having the bypass distal opening 267opening into the hydraulic reservoir portion 250 of the communicationchamber 112. The adjustment path 70 may be in fluid communication withan entry path 273 through the adjustment opening 69. The entry path 273may have the entry opening 271 into the bypass device 266 and/or thecommunication chamber 112. As shown, the entry opening 271 fluidlyconnects the entry path 273 to the bypass device 266. However, the entryopening 271 may also be configured to fluidly connect the entry path 273directly to the communication chamber 112. For instance, the entryopening 271 may be a port passing through the bypass device 266 toconnect the entry path 273 to the communication chamber 112.

FIG. 8 is a bisected cross-sectional view of an embodiment of theseating component 15. The example shown in FIGS. 8-10 differs from theexamples shown in FIGS. 2-7 in that the bypass device 266 is disposedpartially within the hydraulic support chamber 48. Also as shown, thebypass device 266 may pass through the lower support surface 53 of thepiston 55. In this configuration, the piston 55 is fixed relative to theseat post lower 22 and the bypass device 266 is fixed relative to theseat post upper 20. Thus, in this embodiment, relative movement of theseat post upper 20 and the seat post lower 22, as achieved throughraising and lowering of the saddle 16, will necessitate relativemovement of the piston 55 and the bypass device 266.

It may therefore be useful that the bypass device 266 and the piston 55maintain a sealed state of the hydraulic support chamber 48. In such away, the hydraulic support chamber 48 may maintain its volume when theactuation valve 52 is in its closed state. Similarly, the transport offluid into and out of the hydraulic support chamber when the actuationvalve 52 is in its open state may be limited to fluid passing throughthe actuation valve 52.

A bypass seal 510 may be provided to facilitate sealing of the hydraulicsupport chamber 48. The bypass seal 510 is configured to seal between abarrier sealing surface 516 of the bypass barrier 247 and a pistonsealing surface 518 of the piston 55. The bypass seal 510 may be anelastomeric seal such as an O-ring. The barrier sealing surface 516 maybe an annular outer surface of the bypass device 266. Relative movementof the barrier sealing surface 516 and the bypass seal 510 along theaxis L may necessitate that the bypass seal 510 be configured as adynamic seal. For instance, the bypass seal 510 may be located axiallybetween components of the piston 55. Axial location of the bypass seal510 may also function to limit axial deformation of the bypass seal 510under pressure and thus limit wear.

In an exemplary embodiment, the bypass seal 510 may be axially locatedin the lowering direction C by a lower seal locating surface 520 of thebarrier. The lower seal locating surface 520 may be formed through thesame process or techniques as an annular configuration of the pistonsealing surface 518 in order to reduce manufacturing cost. The piston 55may be channeled, cambered, or counterbored. The lower seal locatingsurface 520 may also be formed by one or more different techniques.

The piston sealing surface 518 may be machined as an annular recess inthe piston 55. Material of the piston 55 not machined to form the pistonsealing surface 518 may form the lower seal locating surface 520. Thelower seal locating surface 520 may form a lower axial boundary of thepiston sealing surface 518. An upper seal locating surface 522 may forman upper axial boundary of the piston sealing surface 518.Alternatively, the piston sealing surface 518 may be machined leavingonly the lower seal locating surface 520. In this example, the upperseal locating surface 522 may be formed as part of a seal locationdevice 512.

The seal location device 512 may be removable to facilitate installationand removal of the bypass seal 510. The seal location device 512 may besecured to the piston through various techniques such as a threadedinterface or adhesive attachment. The seal location device 512 may alsobe secured using a lock device 514. The lock device 514 may be athreaded device or else may be a retaining ring, such as a circlip,configured to locate in a lock recess 524 of the piston 55. The seallocation device 512, the bypass seal 510, and/or the lock device 514 maybe tapered to facilitate installation of the bypass device 266.

The bypass seal 510 may be configured to remain in sealing contact withthe barrier sealing surface 516 during relative movement of the seatpost upper 20 and the seat post lower 22. Thus, when the seatingcomponent 15 is fully extended in the raising direction B the bypassdevice 266 may still pass through the piston 55, maintaining sealingcontact between the bypass seal 510 and the barrier sealing surface 516.As such, the hydraulic exchange chamber 58 and the adjustment path 70may remain in fluid communication through the bypass device 266.

The bypass sealing surface 516 may be configured with an outer wall. Forexample, the outer wall may be disposed within one or more components ofthe seating component 15. For example, an outer wall configuration ofthe bypass sealing surface 516 may be disposed within the hydraulicsupport chamber 48. In an embodiment, the outer wall configuration ofthe bypass sealing surface 516 is in fluid communication with thehydraulic support chamber. The bypass seal 510 may form a seal with theouter wall configuration of the bypass sealing surface 516 to seal thehydraulic support chamber 48.

A barrier inner surface 517 may be provided on the interior of thebypass device 266. For example, the barrier inner surface 517 may beopposite the outer wall configuration of the barrier sealing surface516. The barrier inner surface 517 may be referred to as an inner wall.The barrier inner surface 517 may be disposed within one or morecomponents of the seating component 15. For example, the barrier innersurface 517 may be disposed in the hydraulic support chamber 48. In anembodiment, the barrier inner surface 517 is sealed from fluidcommunication with the hydraulic support chamber 48. For example, thehydraulic support chamber 48 may only pass fluid to or from the barrierinner surface 517 across the actuation valve 52. In an embodiment, thebarrier inner surface 517 is concentric with the barrier sealing surface516.

The bypass device 266 may be configured to facilitate direct or indirectfluid communication between the hydraulic exchange chamber 58 and thecommunication chamber 112. For instance, the bypass device 266 may haveits bypass proximal opening 265 into the hydraulic exchange chamber 58and its bypass distal opening 267 into the adjustment path 70. Theadjustment path 70 may then be fluidly connected to the entry path 273through the adjustment opening 69. The entry path 273 may then befluidly connected to the communication chamber 112 through the entryopening 271.

One or both of the bypass proximal opening 265 and the bypass distalopening 267 may be configured for specific flow characteristics. Forinstance, the bypass distal opening 267 may be configured to avoiduptake of relatively less dense fluids. FIGS. 11-15 show the variousembodiments of the bypass distal opening 267 at an intermediateextension position of the seating component 15. FIG. 11 shows the bypassdistal opening 267 having an annular communication channel configurationat a terminal end of the bypass device 266.

The bypass distal opening 267 may comprise various openings. Forexample, the bypass distal opening 267 may comprise radial openingsand/or axial openings relative to the axis L. An axial orifice may beincluded in the bypass distal opening 267. An axial orificeconfiguration of the bypass distal opening 267 may be shaped and sizedto facilitate evacuation of low density fluids. For example, an axialorifice may be angled, such as in a non-right cylindric sectionconfiguration. A plurality of axial orifices may be provided.

A radial configuration of the bypass distal opening 267 may be provided.For example, the bypass distal opening 267 may comprise at least one ofa radial orifice relative to the axis L. In an embodiment, the bypassdistal opening 267 comprises a plurality of radial orifices. Radialorifices may be provided independently of or in conjunction with axialorifices. Similarly, axial orifices may be provided independently ofradial orifices.

In one exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the bypass distal opening267 has an elliptical cross-sectional area as defined by an angled endof an annularly configured bypass device 266. Alternatively, one or bothof the bypass distal opening 267 and the bypass proximal opening 265 maybe a plurality of fluid communication channels in the bypass device 266.For example, FIG. 13 shows the bypass distal opening 267 to include aplurality of radially-extending fluid communication channels spacedapart axially. The plurality of radially-extending fluid communicationchannels may also be spaced apart about a circumference of the bypassbarrier 247 as shown in FIG. 14. Such channels may be variously shaped.For example, FIG. 15 shows channels of a slotted or oblongconfiguration.

FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate another embodiment of the seating component15. The embodiment of FIGS. 16A-19 differ from those of previous figuresin that the piston sealing surface 518 is provided as an interior wallof the seat post upper 20. The piston 55 seals against the barriersealing surface 516 of the bypass device 266 and the piston sealingsurface 518 of the seat post upper 20. This embodiment may be operatedusing an actuation device as previously described.

Referring to FIG. 17, the hydraulic support chamber 48 is disposedbetween the piston sealing surface 518 and the barrier sealing surface516. The piston seal 57 and the bypass seal 510 may be provided to sealthe hydraulic support chamber. Relatively low density fluids, forinstance air or other gasses, may collect near the top of the hydraulicsupport chamber 48 in the raising direction B. The seating component 15may be configured to preferentially expel fluid from near the top of thehydraulic support chamber 48.

The seat post upper 20 may be configured with the piston sealing surface518. For example the piston sealing surface 518 may be disposed on theinterior of the upper wall 21. The upper wall 21 may also be providedwith an upper outer surface 617. For example, the exterior of the upperwall 21 may provide the upper outer surface 617. In an embodiment, anouter seal 619 is provided to seal with the upper outer surface 617. Forexample, the outer seal 619 may be attached to the seat post lower 22and configured to seal the seating component 15 from an external volume100. The external volume 100 may be at atmospheric conditions. In anembodiment, the upper outer surface 617 and the piston sealing surface518 are disposed concentrically on opposite sides of the upper wall 21.

Various components may be described in relation to the axis L. Forexample, the barrier inner surface 517 may be disposed radially inwardof the barrier sealing surface 516. In an embodiment, the barriersealing surface 516 may be disposed radially inward of the pistonsealing surface 518. In another embodiment, the piston sealing surface518 may be disposed radially inward of the upper outer surface 617. Inyet another embodiment, the barrier inner surface 517 is disposedradially inward of the barrier sealing surface 516, which is disposedradially inward of the piston sealing surface 518, which is disposedradially inward of the upper outer surface 617.

In an embodiment, the actuation valve 52 is disposed above the hydraulicsupport chamber 48. For example, the actuation valve 52 may be near orat a highest point of a flow path within the seating component 15. Thebypass device 266 may be in fluid communication with the hydraulicsupport chamber 48 across the actuation valve 52. Alternatively, thebypass device 266 may be disposed at least in part between the actuationvalve and the hydraulic support chamber 48.

The bypass device 266 may be configured to control flow between thehydraulic support chamber 48 and the communication chamber 112. Forexample, the diameter of the bypass device 266 may be relativelyrestricted to maintain a two-phase flow during compression of theseating component 15. In an embodiment, the bypass device is configuredto preferentially flow gaseous fluids from the hydraulic support chamberto the communication chamber 112.

The bypass device 266 may further be configured with a barrier lock 623.The barrier lock 623 may be provided to secure the bypass barrier 247.For example, the barrier lock 623 may secure the bypass barrier 247 tothe seat post upper 20 and/or the seat post head 18. In an embodiment,the barrier lock 623 is threadably attachable to the seat post head 18concentrically about the bypass barrier 247. The barrier lock 623 mayalso be attachable by press-fit, adhesive, and/or other suitableprocedures.

The bypass device 266 may be configured with a lock seal 625. Forexample, the lock seal 625 may seal the bypass barrier 247. The lockseal 625 may be disposed between the bypass barrier 247 and the barrierlock 623. In an embodiment, the lock seal 625 forms a sealingarrangement with the barrier sealing surface 516 of the bypass barrier247, the barrier lock 623, and/or the seat post head 18.

The lock seal 625 may be elastomeric. For example, the lock seal 625 maybe a polymer, nitrile rubber, and/or other elastomer. In an embodiment,the lock seal 625 is an O-ring. The lock seal 625 may be a fitting, suchas a metallic compression fitting. In an embodiment, the lock seal 625is integrated with the barrier lock 623. For example, the lock seal 625may be a flared end of the barrier lock 623.

Referring to FIG. 18, flow from the hydraulic support chamber 48 maytravel through the bypass device 266 to exit the bypass device 266through an entry opening 669. The entry opening 669 may include aplurality of entry openings. For example, the entry opening 669 may be aplurality of radial holes provided in the guide 51.

The bypass device 266 may be described as a flow path. For example, thebypass device 266 may not be constrained only by the barrier 247. In anembodiment, the bypass device 266 is the path of constrained flow fromthe hydraulic support chamber 48 to the communication chamber 112. Theactuation valve 52 may be disposed in various locations along this pathof constrained flow. For example, the actuation valve 52 may be disposedabove, below, or alongside the hydraulic support chamber 48.

Referring to FIG. 19, flow from the communication chamber 112 to thehydraulic support chamber 48 may also be controlled with the bypassdevice 266. For example, flow from a relatively low point of thecommunication chamber 112 may enter the entry opening 669. In anembodiment, the communication chamber 112 is only in fluid communicationwith the entry opening 669 below a point where the pneumatic springportion 246 begins in normal operation.

The bypass device 266 may be configured to connect with the hydraulicsupport chamber 48 at a point above its connection with thecommunication chamber 112. For example, the bypass device 266 may beginabove the hydraulic support chamber 48 and terminate below the hydraulicsupport chamber 48. In an embodiment, the actuation valve 52 is abovethe hydraulic support chamber 48 and the bypass device 266 terminatesbelow the hydraulic support chamber 48.

Gravity separation of fluids may facilitate an operation where lowdensity fluids are preferentially moved from the hydraulic supportchamber 48 to the communication chamber 112 and high density fluids arepreferentially moved from the communication chamber 112 to the hydraulicsupport chamber 48. As such, the communication chamber 112 may continueto contain a similar mass of the pneumatic spring portion 246 while thehydraulic support chamber 48 may continue to have relatively littlecompressible mass contained therein.

It should be noted that the sizes and relative locations of thehydraulic support chamber 48, the communication chamber 112, thepneumatic spring portion 246, and the hydraulic reservoir portion 250may change during operation of the seating component 15 upwards anddownwards. When the seating component 15 is in a compressed position,the sizes and relative positions of components are relevant to flow fromthe communication chamber 112 to the hydraulic support chamber 48, asthe seating component 15 may be raised. When the seating component 15 isin an extended position, the size and relative positions of thecomponents are relevant to flow from the hydraulic support chamber 48 tothe communication chamber 112, as the seating component 15 may belowered.

Referring to FIG. 20, the seating component 15 may also be configured toinclude a floating piston 44. For example, the floating piston 44 may bedisposed between the pneumatic spring portion 246 and the hydraulicreservoir portion 250 of the communication chamber 112. In anembodiment, gaseous fluids expelled from the hydraulic support chamber48 collect below the floating piston 44 in the hydraulic reservoirportion 250, following a similar flow path to previous embodiments.

The floating piston 44 may be configured as a single piece or mayinclude multiple sealing components. For example, the floating pistonmay have a body, inner, and outer seals.

Referring to FIG. 21, the flow path of the bypass device 266 may bedescribed schematically. In an embodiment, the actuation valve 52 isdisposed between portions of the bypass device 266. The bypass device266 connects a high point of the hydraulic support chamber 48 with thehydraulic reservoir portion 250 through a constrained flow path. In anembodiment, the bypass device 266 connects a high point of the hydraulicsupport chamber 48 with a low point of the communication chamber 112.The bypass device 266 is configured such that air in the hydraulicsupport chamber 48 may flow to the hydraulic reservoir portion 250through this constrained path.

As fluids enter the hydraulic reservoir portion 250 through the bypassdistal opening 267 they will separate due to gravity separation. In thecommunication chamber 112, a portion separation 644 may be defined asthe separation between the hydraulic reservoir portion 250 and thepneumatic spring portion 246. The portion separation 644 may changeposition as fluids flow in and out of the communication chamber 112. Theportion separation 644 may also be the floating piston 44.

In an embodiment, the seating component 15 has the opening 267 is formedin the barrier 247. In another embodiment, a floating piston 44 isdisposed between the reservoir 250 and the spring portion 246 andconfigured to seal the spring portion 246 from the reservoir 250. In yetanother embodiment, the support chamber 48 is housed within the upper 20and the upper 20 includes a saddle connection portion 19. In yet anotherembodiment, the opening 267 comprises at least one of an axial orificeand a plurality of radial orifices. In yet another embodiment, theopening 267 is formed as a non-right cylindric section of the barrier247.

In an embodiment, the bypass 266 passes through the spring portion 246.In another embodiment, the bypass 266 passes through the support chamber48. In yet another embodiment, the support chamber 48 further comprisesan upper support surface 49 and a lower support surface 53, wherein thebypass 266 passes through the upper support surface 49 and the lowersupport surface 53. In yet another embodiment, the barrier 247 furthercomprises the barrier sealing surface 516, which may be known as anouter wall, in fluid communication with the support chamber and thebarrier inner surface 517 sealed from fluid communication with thesupport chamber 48 when the valve 52 is in a closed state. In yetanother embodiment, the seating component 15 further comprises a bypassseal 510 in sealing contact with the barrier sealing surface 516 of thebarrier, the bypass seal 510 configured to seal the support chamber 48.In yet another embodiment, the bypass seal 510 is dynamic. In yetanother embodiment, the bypass seal 510 forms a seal with a piston 55,the piston 55 comprising a piston seal 57 configured to seal the supportchamber 48, for example with the piston sealing surface 518. In yetanother embodiment, the piston seal 57 is dynamic and is furtherconfigured to seal the support chamber 48 from the spring portion 246.In yet another embodiment, a guide 51 is affixed to the piston, theguide 51 comprising an adjustment path 70 housed within the guide 51 andan entry opening 271 to facilitate flow between the adjustment path 70and the reservoir 250.

The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended toprovide a general understanding of the structure of the variousembodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a completedescription of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systemsthat utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many otherembodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewingthe disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from thedisclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changesmay be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure.Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational and may notbe drawn to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may beexaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Accordingly, thedisclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative ratherthan restrictive.

While this specification contains many specifics, these should not beconstrued as limitations on the scope of the invention or of what may beclaimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particularembodiments of the invention. Certain features that are described inthis specification in the context of separate embodiments can also beimplemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, variousfeatures that are described in the context of a single embodiment canalso be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in anysuitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be describedabove as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed assuch, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some casesbe excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may bedirected to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.

Similarly, while operations and/or acts are depicted in the drawings anddescribed herein in a particular order, this depiction should not beunderstood as requiring that such operations be performed in theparticular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustratedoperations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certaincircumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodimentsdescribed above should not be understood as requiring such separation inall embodiments.

One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be referred to herein,individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merely forconvenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of thisapplication to any particular invention or inventive concept. Moreover,although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangementdesigned to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted forthe specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover anyand all subsequent adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, are apparent to those of skill in the artupon reviewing the description.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is submitted with the understanding thatit will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of theclaims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, variousfeatures may be grouped together or described in a single embodiment forthe purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This disclosure is not to beinterpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodimentsrequire more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather,as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter may bedirected to fewer than all of the features of any of the disclosedembodiments. Thus, the following claims are incorporated into theDetailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as definingseparately claimed subject matter.

It is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded asillustrative rather than limiting and that it is understood that thefollowing claims including all equivalents are intended to define thescope of the invention. The claims should not be read as limited to thedescribed order or elements unless stated to that effect. Therefore, allembodiments that come within the scope and spirit of the followingclaims and equivalents thereto are claimed as the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A seating component for a bicycle, comprising: anupper; a lower connected to the upper and movable relative to the upperalong an axis; a support chamber disposed between the upper and thelower; a reservoir in selective fluid communication with the supportchamber across a valve; a spring portion configured to bias the upperapart from the lower along the axis; and a bypass configured to providefluid communication between the support chamber and the reservoir, thebypass comprising: an opening disposed beyond the support chamber in alowering direction along the axis; and a barrier configured tofacilitate flow from the opening to the valve, wherein the valve isdisposed beyond the support chamber in a raising direction along theaxis.
 2. The seating component of claim 1, wherein the opening is formedin the barrier.
 3. The seating component of claim 1, further comprisinga floating piston disposed between the reservoir and the spring portionand configured to seal the spring portion from the reservoir.
 4. Theseating component of claim 1, wherein the support chamber is housedwithin the upper and the upper includes a saddle connection portion. 5.The seating component of claim 1, wherein the opening comprises at leastone of an axial orifice and a plurality of radial orifices.
 6. Theseating component of claim 1, wherein the opening is formed as anon-right cylindrical section of the barrier.
 7. The seating componentof claim 1, wherein the bypass passes through the spring portion.
 8. Theseating component of claim 1, wherein the bypass passes through thesupport chamber.
 9. The seating component of claim 8, wherein thesupport chamber further comprises: an upper support surface; and a lowersupport surface; and wherein the bypass passes through the upper supportsurface and the lower support surface.
 10. The seating component ofclaim 9, wherein the barrier further comprises: an outer wall in fluidcommunication with the support chamber; and an inner wall sealed fromfluid communication with the support chamber when the valve is in aclosed state.
 11. The seating component of claim 10, further comprisinga bypass seal in sealing contact with the outer wall of the barrier, thebypass seal configured to seal the support chamber.
 12. The seatingcomponent of claim 11, wherein the bypass seal is dynamic.
 13. Theseating component of claim 12, wherein the bypass seal forms a seal witha piston, the piston comprising a piston seal configured to seal thesupport chamber.
 14. The seating component of claim 13, wherein thepiston seal is dynamic and is further configured to seal the supportchamber from the spring portion.
 15. A seating component for a bicycle,comprising: an upper; a lower connected to the upper and movablerelative to the upper along an axis; a support chamber disposed betweenthe upper and the lower; a reservoir in selective fluid communicationwith the support chamber across a valve; a spring portion configured tobias the upper apart from the lower along the axis; and a bypassconfigured to provide fluid communication between the support chamberand the reservoir, the bypass comprising: a first opening; and a secondopening disposed beyond the support chamber in a lowering directionalong the axis, wherein flow between the valve and the second openingpasses through the first opening.
 16. The seating component of claim 15,further comprising a floating piston, the floating piston configured toseal the reservoir from the spring portion.
 17. The seating component ofclaim 16, further comprising a barrier, the barrier comprising: an outerwall in fluid communication with the support chamber; and an inner wallsealed from fluid communication with the support chamber when the valveis in a closed state.
 18. The seating component of claim 17, furthercomprising a piston, the piston comprising: a first seal configured todynamically seal with the outer wall of the barrier; and a second sealconfigured to dynamically seal with an interior wall of the upper. 19.The seating component of claim 18, further comprising a guide affixed tothe piston, the guide comprising: an adjustment path housed within theguide; and an entry opening to facilitate flow between the adjustmentpath and the reservoir.
 20. A seating component for a bicycle,comprising: an upper; a lower connected to the upper and movablerelative to the upper along an axis; a support chamber disposed betweenthe upper and the lower; a reservoir in selective fluid communicationwith the support chamber across a valve; a spring portion configured tobias the upper apart from the lower along the axis; and a flow pathconfigured to provide fluid communication between the support chamberand the reservoir, the flow path comprising: a first opening; and asecond opening disposed beyond the support chamber in a loweringdirection along the axis, wherein flow between the valve and the secondopening passes through the first opening.